ABOUT THE BOOK

A boundary agreement is not a simple delineation of lines on a map or a demarcation on the ground. Nor is it a technical matter alone. It is a significant political act. Although a boundary line indicates the extent of sovereignty of a state, yet state security or immunity from external interference does not automatically devolve per se. In the negotiations to resolve the Sino-Indian boundary issue, Mr. Kalha brings out the clear linkages between boundary making, national strategic requirements, regional politics and the influence and role of the great powers of the day.An insider`s fascinating account of the politics of boundary making.

ABOUT Author

Ranjit Singh Kalha : Ranjit Singh Kalha born in Lahore on 25 February 1942 obtained his Masters in History from Punjab University, Chandigarh receiving a Gold Medal for standing first in the University. On joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1965 he studied Chinese at the University of Hong Kong. Mr. Kalha held the important posts of Joint Secretary (Americas) and (East Asia) dealing with China and Japan. He led the Indian side for the India-China Boundary Sub-Group Negotiations from 1985 to 1988. In his career in the MEA he handled Chinese Affairs for over 12 years. Apart from his postings in Beijing, Tokyo and London, Mr. Kalha has served as India`s Ambassador to Indonesia (1988-92) and Iraq (1992-94); Additional Secretary (Administration) (1995-98) and Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs from 1998-2002. On superannuation, the President of India appointed Mr. Kalha as Member, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) with rank equivalent of a Supreme Court Judge. The Canadian House of Commons honoured Mr. Kalha with a Citation on 14 June 2001 for services in promoting Indo-Canadian relations. Mr. Kalha is a well- known commentator, writer on Chinese affairs as well as on politics of oil. He has appeared on National TV, CNBC, NDTV etc. and written for The Hindustan Times, The Tribune, The Business Standard and the Indian Express. He has authored two books namely (a) The Ultimate Prize-Saddam and Oil (b) The Dynamics of Preventive Diplomacy. Mr. Kalha presently lives in Delhi,